"Pan's Labyrinth" it ain't.

Rating: 7/10 (15 July 2013)

If you have expectations of the visual poetry of "Pan's Labyrinth" then don't go. If you are sensitive to gaping holes in plot line and continuity then don't go.
If you like CGI driven special effects and shoot 'em up macho, this takes transformers and the like to a totally new level. The huge perspectives and the scale of the battle scenes is very impressive and the sudden surprises and changes of pace in the early sequences are nicely managed. You really have to rein in your brain to ignore the lack of logic and the papering over of impossibilities. Roll with the action and you'll be fine.
It is very loud, bewilderingly fast moving and there are some fine performances and design detail and there are cheesy moments too.
Ultimately, I wonder why del Toro chose this vehicle/ was chosen, or indeed why they needed a director at all.